Domestic violence incidents often don’t make headlines, but the prevalence of this particular crime in Sampson County cannot be ignored.
“In the year 2024, we took reports for 729 domestic related incidents, that resulted in 98 arrests at the time of incident,” reported 1st Sgt. Jessica Byrd, who works in the support services division of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. “So far in 2025, we have taken 403 reports for domestic related incidents with 61 arrests at the time of incident. The Sheriff’s Office currently has 89 active domestic violence orders of protection (one- to two-year orders), and seven active ex parte domestic violence orders of protection (temporary orders).”
In addition, Byrd stated, the Sheriff’s Office currently holds 120 firearms, various ammunition, and concealed handgun permits, surrendered as a result of domestic violence protection orders.
“The Sheriff’s Office can assist victims of domestic violence in many ways,” she added. “One major service would be providing documentation of an incident. The Sheriff’s Office can document an incident for a victim that can be utilized as a timeline should the domestic partner’s actions lead to a criminal offense, or need for an order of protection in the future.”
Victims of domestic violence can also be referred to the Magistrate’s Office to pursue criminal charges against the abuser. There are also the Victims Assistance Program and the Sampson County Clerk’s Office, where the victim can file for a temporary order of protection.
“Deputies can make warrantless arrests of offenders if they develop probable cause that the offender has committed a crime of domestic violence or if the offender is violating a valid order of protection,” Byrd explained. “Deputies may also provide an escort for victims to retrieve their personal clothing and toiletries they may need to leave an abusive situation and seek shelter elsewhere.”
Deputies also often refer victims to U Care, which provides a domestic violence shelter and advocacy assistance. “Everything we offer is confidential and free of charge,” said U Care Executive Director Sunny Wilkins. “We are the only program here in Sampson County. We have a 24-hour crisis line and an emergency shelter.”
Wilkins said that domestic violence is “definitely” a problem in Sampson County. “Domestic violence is physical, verbal, mental, emotional, financial,” she explained. “If they live in fear or are being taken advantage of or abused, or somebody just wants control of them, that is when they should seek help.”
In training materials, the University of Minnesota has an overarching definition of what domestic violence is: “Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive and threatening behaviors that may include physical, emotional, economic and sexual violence as well as intimidation, isolation and coercion. Domestic violence can include threats of violence, physical harm, attacks against property or pets or other acts of intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, and use of children as a means of control.”
Wilkins pointed out that oftentimes, victims do not even realize they are experiencing domestic violence. “What’s so sad is sometimes when we’re helping clients, they don’t realize that it is actually called domestic violence, even though they’ve been physically abused, mentally abused, emotionally abused. That’s why we try to get out in the community and let them know that domestic violence is several different things.”
At U Care, Wilkins said they see about a 50-50 combination of physical and verbal abuse victims. “Some of them probably still don’t think it’s domestic violence,” she said. “It’s just a matter of somebody letting them know that nobody should be talking to you like that.”
U Care provides a 24-hour crisis line (910-596-0931), which is always manned by a live person and can provide immediate assistance. There’s also an emergency shelter with safe housing for survivors and their families, counseling and support services, abuser treatment programs, court advocacy, child advocacy and community education.
The organization is also always open to taking on new volunteers, Wilkins said. They need only fill out a volunteer application. “We go through that and see what their interests are, and if we have something available in that area,” she explained. “Anyone who would want to work with clients, they require 20 hours of training. We’re also in the process of trying to recruit board members. Right now, we have six on the board. It’s been a while since some paperwork has been updated so we’re going through and updating bylaws. The board oversees operations and funding. We’re state and federally funded.”
And even with the state and federal funding, Wilkins said the support of the Sampson County community has been overwhelming. “We have a very generous community,” she said. “They always look out for us.”
Upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October include a Saturday morning pancake breakfast at Hwy. 55 in Clinton, 7-9:30 a.m. Plates will be $8 each and include pancakes, bacon and sausage.
A candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence is also planned for Monday, Oct. 6, at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church, 201 Fayetteville St. in Clinton, at 6 p.m.
U Care’s Bee Hive thrift stores will also have extended hours throughout the month. The stores are located in Clinton at 407 Southeast Blvd. (Roses Shopping Center) and in Newton Grove at 308 Main St., Suite A (Food Lion Shopping Center).